Method and apparatus for zoned admission to performance events

ABSTRACT

A method and a device are disclosed including a software or physical admission certificate configured to allow admission of a spectator to a special admission zone with a view to a performance stage for a predefined duration of time. The special admission zone is usable by multiple spectators in multiple successive time periods during the same performance. In various embodiments, the special admission zone is created by partitioning a general admission zone adjacent to the performance stage. In other embodiments, the special admission zone may be constructed as a “catwalk” around the stage to provide elevated viewing. In still other embodiments, the special admission zone may be formed near indoor or outdoor stages. In various embodiments, the admission certificate may be embodied in a computing device such as a smartphone, while in other embodiments the admission certificate may be in the form of a RFID equipped wristband.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalUtility Application Ser. No. 61/511,017 filed Jul. 22, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to performance event management. Morespecifically, this application relates to providing zoned admission to aperformance event using partitioned admission areas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings, when considered in connection with the followingdescription, are presented for the purpose of facilitating anunderstanding of the subject matter sought to be protected.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a network computing environment whereinthe disclosure may be practiced;

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a computing device that may be used in thenetwork computing environment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an example performance stage;

FIG. 4 shows an example performance stage with partitioned admissionareas forming special admission zones;

FIG. 5 shows an example wristband for control of admission to specialadmission zones; and

FIG. 6 shows an example mobile device having a barcoded admissioncertificate for admission to special admission zones.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present disclosure is described with reference to severalillustrative embodiments described herein, it should be clear that thepresent disclosure should not be limited to such embodiments. Therefore,the description of the embodiments provided herein is illustrative ofthe present disclosure and should not limit the scope of the disclosureas claimed. In addition, while following description references mobilephones and smartphones, it will be appreciated that the disclosure maybe used with other types of mobile computing and communication devices,such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), netbook computers, tabletcomputers, and the like.

Briefly described, a device and a method are disclosed including asoftware or physical admission certificate configured to allow admissionof a spectator to a special admission zone with a view to a performancestage for a predefined duration of time. The special admission zone isusable by multiple spectators in multiple successive time periods duringthe same performance. In various embodiments, the special admission zoneis created by partitioning a general admission zone adjacent to theperformance stage. In other embodiments, the special admission zone maybe constructed as a “catwalk” around or on the stage or spectatoroccupiable baskets coupled to tethered helium balloons to provideelevated viewing. In still other embodiments, the special admission zonemay be formed near indoor or outdoor stages. In various embodiments, theadmission certificate may be embodied in a computing device such as asmartphone, while in other embodiments the admission certificate may bein the form of a RFID (Radio Frequency ID) equipped wristband.

With the advent of smartphones, and other high performance computingdevices such as electronic pads and laptop computers, and with theubiquity of Internet access at home, work, and public places, artisticperformances, music, entertainment content, and other informationcontents such as lectures and the like, are easily available to peoplewith unprecedented ease and quality. However, many people still enjoythe excitement and vitality of live performances on stage. In mostsuccessful entertainment events, the spectator crowds are large and eachindividual spectator may not be able to enjoy the performance to thedegree desired because of remote proximity to the stage and viewobstruction by other spectators. Additionally, purchasing tickets forfront seats close to the stage is usually more expensive while suchfront seats are also limited in number and can only serve a limitednumber of spectators for each performance. It is desirable to providebetter viewing opportunities for more people for live performances.

Illustrative Operating Environment

FIG. 1 shows components of an illustrative environment in which thedisclosure may be practiced. Not all the shown components may berequired to practice the disclosure, and variations in the arrangementand type of the components may be made without departing from the spiritor scope of the disclosure. System 100 may include Local Area Networks(LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN) shown collectively as Network 106,wireless network 110, gateway 108 configured to connect remote and/ordifferent types of networks together, client computing devices 112-118,and server computing devices 102-104.

One embodiment of a computing device usable as one of client computingdevices 112-118 is described in more detail below with respect to FIG.2. Briefly, however, client computing devices 112-118 may includevirtually any device capable of receiving and sending a message over anetwork, such as wireless network 110, or the like. Such devices includeportable devices such as, cellular telephones, smart phones, displaypagers, radio frequency (RF) devices, music players, digital cameras,infrared (IR) devices, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheldcomputers, laptop computers, wearable computers, tablet computers,integrated devices combining one or more of the preceding devices, orthe like. Client device 112 may include virtually any computing devicethat typically connects using a wired communications medium such aspersonal computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, network PCs, or the like. In oneembodiment, one or more of client devices 112-118 may also be configuredto operate over a wired and/or a wireless network.

Client devices 112-118 typically range widely in terms of capabilitiesand features. For example, a cell phone may have a numeric keypad and afew lines of monochrome LCD display on which only text may be displayed.In another example, a web-enabled client device may have a touchsensitive screen, a stylus, and several lines of color LCD display inwhich both text and graphic may be displayed.

A web-enabled client device may include a browser application that isconfigured to receive and to send web pages, web-based messages, or thelike. The browser application may be configured to receive and displaygraphic, text, multimedia, or the like, employing virtually any webbased language, including a wireless application protocol messages(WAP), or the like. In one embodiment, the browser application may beenabled to employ one or more of Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML),Wireless Markup Language (WML), WMLScript, JavaScript, StandardGeneralized Markup Language (SMGL), HyperText Markup Language (HTML),eXtensible Markup Language (XML), or the like, to display and sendinformation.

Client computing devices 12-118 also may include at least one otherclient application that is configured to receive content from anothercomputing device, including, without limit, server computing devices102-104. The client application may include a capability to provide andreceive textual content, multimedia information, or the like. The clientapplication may further provide information that identifies itself,including a type, capability, name, or the like. In one embodiment,client devices 112-118 may uniquely identify themselves through any of avariety of mechanisms, including a phone number, Mobile IdentificationNumber (MIN), an electronic serial number (ESN), mobile deviceidentifier, network address, such as IP (Internet Protocol) address,Media Access Control (MAC) layer identifier, or other identifier. Theidentifier may be provided in a message, or the like, sent to anothercomputing device.

Client computing devices 112-118 may also be configured to communicate amessage, such as through email, Short Message Service (SMS), MultimediaMessage Service (MMS), instant messaging (IM), internet relay chat(IRC), Mardam-Bey's IRC (mIRC), Jabber, or the like, to anothercomputing device. However, the present disclosure is not limited tothese message protocols, and virtually any other message protocol may beemployed.

Client devices 112-118 may further be configured to include a clientapplication that enables the user to log into a user account that may bemanaged by another computing device. Such user account, for example, maybe configured to enable the user to receive emails, send/receive IMmessages, SMS messages, access selected web pages, download scripts,applications, or a variety of other content, or perform a variety ofother actions over a network. However, managing of messages or otherwiseaccessing and/or downloading content, may also be performed withoutlogging into the user account. Thus, a user of client devices 112-118may employ any of a variety of client applications to access content,read web pages, receive/send messages, or the like. In one embodiment,for example, the user may employ a browser or other client applicationto access a web page hosted by a Web server implemented as servercomputing device 102. In one embodiment, messages received by clientcomputing devices 112-118 may be saved in non-volatile memory, such asflash and/or PCM, across communication sessions and/or between powercycles of client computing devices 112-118.

Wireless network 110 may be configured to couple client devices 114-118to network 106. Wireless network 110 may include any of a variety ofwireless sub-networks that may further overlay stand-alone ad-hocnetworks, and the like, to provide an infrastructure-oriented connectionfor client devices 114-118. Such sub-networks may include mesh networks,Wireless LAN (WLAN) networks, cellular networks, and the like. Wirelessnetwork 110 may further include an autonomous system of terminals,gateways, routers, and the like connected by wireless radio links, andthe like. These connectors may be configured to move freely and randomlyand organize themselves arbitrarily, such that the topology of wirelessnetwork 110 may change rapidly.

Wireless network 110 may further employ a plurality of accesstechnologies including 2nd (2G), 3rd (3G), 4^(th) (4G) generation radioaccess for cellular systems, WLAN, Wireless Router (WR) mesh, and thelike. Access technologies such as 2G, 3G, and future access networks mayenable wide area coverage for mobile devices, such as client devices114-118 with various degrees of mobility. For example, wireless network110 may enable a radio connection through a radio network access such asGlobal System for Mobil communication (GSM), General Packet RadioServices (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), WEDGE, Bluetooth,High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS), Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Wideband Code DivisionMultiple Access (WCDMA), and the like. In essence, wireless network 110may include virtually any wireless communication mechanism by whichinformation may travel between client devices 102-104 and anothercomputing device, network, and the like.

Network 106 is configured to couple one or more servers depicted in FIG.1 as server computing devices 102-104 and their respective componentswith other computing devices, such as client device 112, and throughwireless network 110 to client devices 114-118. Network 106 is enabledto employ any form of computer readable media for communicatinginformation from one electronic device to another. Also, network 106 mayinclude the Internet in addition to local area networks (LANs), widearea networks (WANs), direct connections, such as through a universalserial bus (USB) port, other forms of computer-readable media, or anycombination thereof. On an interconnected set of LANs, including thosebased on differing architectures and protocols, a router acts as a linkbetween LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one to another.

Communication links within LANs typically include twisted wire pair orcoaxial cable, while communication links between networks may utilizeanalog telephone lines, full or fractional dedicated digital linesincluding T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks(ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links includingsatellite links, or other communications links known to those skilled inthe art. Furthermore, remote computers and other related electronicdevices could be remotely connected to either LANs or WANs via a modemand temporary telephone link. Network 106 may include any communicationmethod by which information may travel between computing devices.Additionally, communication media typically may enable transmission ofcomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother types of content, virtually without limit. By way of example,communication media includes wired media such as twisted pair, coaxialcable, fiber optics, wave guides, and other wired media and wirelessmedia such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

Illustrative Computing Device Configuration

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative computing device 200 that may represent anyone of the server and/or client computing devices shown in FIG. 1. Acomputing device represented by computing device 200 may include less ormore than all the components shown in FIG. 2 depending on thefunctionality needed. For example, a mobile computing device may includethe transceiver 236 and antenna 238, while a server computing device 102of FIG. 1 may not include these components. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the scope of integration of components of computingdevice 200 may be different from what is shown. As such, some of thecomponents of computing device 200 shown in FIG. 2 may be integratedtogether as one unit. For example, NIC 230 and transceiver 236 may beimplemented as an integrated unit. Additionally, different functions ofa single component may be separated and implemented across severalcomponents instead. For example, different functions of I/O processor220 may be separated into two or more processing units.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, computing device 200 includesoptical storage 202, Central Processing Unit (CPU) 204, memory module206, display interface 214, audio interface 216, input devices 218,Input/Output (I/O) processor 220, bus 222, non-volatile memory 224,various other interfaces 226-228, Network Interface Card (NIC) 320, harddisk 232, power supply 234, transceiver 236, antenna 238, hapticinterface 240, and Global Positioning System (GPS) unit 242. Memorymodule 206 may include software such as Operating System (OS) 208, and avariety of software application programs 210-212. Computing device 200may also include other components not shown in FIG. 2. For example,computing device 200 may further include an illuminator (for example, alight), graphic interface, and portable storage media such as USBdrives. Computing device 200 may also include other processing units,such as a math co-processor, graphics processor/accelerator, and aDigital Signal Processor (DSP).

Optical storage device 202 may include optical drives for using opticalmedia, such as CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Video Disc), and thelike. Optical storage devices 202 may provide inexpensive ways forstoring information for archival and/or distribution purposes.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) 204 may be the main processor for softwareprogram execution in computing device 200. CPU 204 may represent one ormore processing units that obtain software instructions from memorymodule 206 and execute such instructions to carry out computationsand/or transfer data between various sources and destinations of data,such as hard disk 232, I/O processor 220, display interface 214, inputdevices 218, non-volatile memory 224, and the like.

Memory module 206 may include RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read OnlyMemory), and other storage means, mapped to one addressable memoryspace. Memory module 206 illustrates one of many types of computerstorage media for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Memorymodule 206 may store a basic input/output system (BIOS) for controllinglow-level operation of computing device 200. Memory module 206 may alsostore OS 208 for controlling the general operation of computing device200. It will be appreciated that OS 208 may include a general-purposeoperating system such as a version of UNIX, or LINUX™, or a specializedclient communication operating system such as Windows Mobile™, or theSymbian® operating system. OS 208 may, in turn, include or interfacewith a Java virtual machine (JVM) module that enables control ofhardware components and/or operating system operations via Javaapplication programs.

Memory module 206 may further include one or more distinct areas (byaddress space and/or other means), which can be utilized by computingdevice 200 to store, among other things, applications and/or other data.For example, one area of memory module 206 may be set aside and employedto store information that describes various capabilities of computingdevice 200, a device identifier, and the like. Such identificationinformation may then be provided to another device based on any of avariety of events, including being sent as part of a header during acommunication, sent upon request, or the like. One common softwareapplication is a browser program that is generally used to send/receiveinformation to/from a web server. In one embodiment, the browserapplication is enabled to employ Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML),Wireless Markup Language (WML), WMLScript, JavaScript, StandardGeneralized Markup Language (SMGL), HyperText Markup Language (HTML),eXtensible Markup Language (XML), and the like, to display and send amessage. However, any of a variety of other web based languages may alsobe employed. In one embodiment, using the browser application, a usermay view an article or other content on a web page with one or morehighlighted portions as target objects.

Display interface 214 may be coupled with a display unit (not shown),such as liquid crystal display (LCD), gas plasma, light emitting diode(LED), or any other type of display unit that may be used with computingdevice 200. Display units coupled with display interface 214 may alsoinclude a touch sensitive screen arranged to receive input from anobject such as a stylus or a digit from a human hand. Display interface214 may further include interface for other visual status indicators,such Light Emitting Diodes (LED), light arrays, and the like. Displayinterface 214 may include both hardware and software components. Forexample, display interface 214 may include a graphic accelerator forrendering graphic-intensive outputs on the display unit. In oneembodiment, display interface 214 may include software and/or firmwarecomponents that work in conjunction with CPU 204 to render graphicoutput on the display unit.

Audio interface 216 is arranged to produce and receive audio signalssuch as the sound of a human voice. For example, audio interface 216 maybe coupled to a speaker and microphone (not shown) to enablecommunication with a human operator, such as spoken commands, and/orgenerate an audio acknowledgement for some action.

Input devices 218 may include a variety of device types arranged toreceive input from a user, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, atouchpad, a touch-screen (described with respect to display interface214), a multi-touch screen, a microphone for spoken command input(describe with respect to audio interface 216), and the like.

I/O processor 220 is generally employed to handle transactions andcommunications with peripheral devices such as mass storage, network,input devices, display, and the like, which couple computing device 200with the external world. In small, low power computing devices, such assome mobile devices, functions of the I/O processor 220 may beintegrated with CPU 204 to reduce hardware cost and complexity. In oneembodiment, I/O processor 220 may the primary software interface withall other device and/or hardware interfaces, such as optical storage202, hard disk 232, interfaces 226-228, display interface 214, audiointerface 216, and input devices 218.

An electrical bus 222 internal to computing device 200 may be used tocouple various other hardware components, such as CPU 204, memory module206, I/O processor 220, and the like, to each other for transferringdata, instructions, status, and other similar information.

Non-volatile memory 224 may include memory built into computing device200, or portable storage medium, such as USB drives that may include PCMarrays, flash memory including NOR and NAND flash, pluggable hard drive,and the like. In one embodiment, portable storage medium may behavesimilarly to a disk drive. In another embodiment, portable storagemedium may present an interface different than a disk drive, forexample, a read-only interface used for loading/supplying data and/orsoftware.

Various other interfaces 226-228 may include other electrical and/oroptical interfaces for connecting to various hardware peripheral devicesand networks, such as IEEE 1394 also known as FireWire, Universal SerialBus (USB), Small Computer Serial Interface (SCSI), parallel printerinterface, Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter(USART), Video Graphics Array (VGA), Super VGA (SVGA), and the like.

Network Interface Card (NIC) 230 may include circuitry for couplingcomputing device 200 to one or more networks, and is generallyconstructed for use with one or more communication protocols andtechnologies including, but not limited to, Global System for Mobilecommunication (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA), time divisionmultiple access (TDMA), user datagram protocol (UDP), transmissioncontrol protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), SMS, general packet radioservice (GPRS), WAP, ultra wide band (UWB), IEEE 802.16 WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), SIP/RTP, Bluetooth,Wi-Fi, Zigbee, UMTS, HSDPA, WCDMA, WEDGE, or any of a variety of otherwired and/or wireless communication protocols.

Hard disk 232 is generally used as a mass storage device for computingdevice 200. In one embodiment, hard disk 232 may be a Ferro-magneticstack of one or more disks forming a disk drive embedded in or coupledto computing device 200. In another embodiment, hard drive 232 may beimplemented as a solid-state device configured to behave as a diskdrive, such as a flash-based hard drive. In yet another embodiment, harddrive 232 may be a remote storage accessible over network interface 230or another interface 226, but acting as a local hard drive. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that other technologies andconfigurations may be used to present a hard drive interface andfunctionality to computing device 200 without departing from the spiritof the present disclosure.

Power supply 234 provides power to computing device 200. A rechargeableor non-rechargeable battery may be used to provide power. The power mayalso be provided by an external power source, such as an AC adapter or apowered docking cradle that supplements and/or recharges a battery.

Transceiver 236 generally represents transmitter/receiver circuits forwired and/or wireless transmission and receipt of electronic data.Transceiver 236 may be a stand-alone module or be integrated with othermodules, such as NIC 230. Transceiver 236 may be coupled with one ormore antennas for wireless transmission of information.

Antenna 238 is generally used for wireless transmission of information,for example, in conjunction with transceiver 236, NIC 230, and/or GPS242. Antenna 238 may represent one or more different antennas that maybe coupled with different devices and tuned to different carrierfrequencies configured to communicate using corresponding protocolsand/or networks. Antenna 238 may be of various types, such asomni-directional, dipole, slot, helical, and the like.

Haptic interface 240 is configured to provide tactile feedback to a userof computing device 200. For example, the haptic interface may beemployed to vibrate computing device 200, or an input device coupled tocomputing device 200, such as a game controller, in a particular waywhen an event occurs, such as hitting an object with a car in a videogame.

Global Positioning System (GPS) unit 242 can determine the physicalcoordinates of computing device 200 on the surface of the Earth, whichtypically outputs a location as latitude and longitude values. GPS unit242 can also employ other geo-positioning mechanisms, including, but notlimited to, triangulation, assisted GPS (AGPS), E-OTD, CI, SAI, ETA, BSSor the like, to further determine the physical location of computingdevice 200 on the surface of the Earth. It is understood that underdifferent conditions, GPS unit 242 can determine a physical locationwithin millimeters for computing device 200. In other cases, thedetermined physical location may be less precise, such as within a meteror significantly greater distances. In one embodiment, however, a mobiledevice represented by computing device 200 may, through othercomponents, provide other information that may be employed to determinea physical location of the device, including for example, a MAC address.

FIG. 3 shows an example performance stage. Stage arrangement 300generally may include a stage 302 having an exposed width 310, ramps304, performance area 306 for performers, DJ (Disk Jockey) booth 308,and general seating area 312 for spectators.

Spectators are allowed, usually after presenting an admission ticket,into general seating area 312 to view the performance of performers onthe stage. The seating in the general admission area may be priceddifferently depending on proximity to the stage, with the front seatsgenerally being more expensive.

Stage arrangement 300 may include other seating areas in addition to thegeneral seating area. For example, some performance buildings mayinclude “box” seating areas arranged as private or semi-private balconybooths in elevated positions around the stage. Other seatingarrangements may include seating as well as standing locations toaccommodate more spectators. In such conventional stage arrangements,front row seating close to the stage is limited and expensive.

Other vantage points for stage 302 include “catwalks”, service walkwaysusually constructed above, on, and/or around the perimeter of the stageto provide lighting, microphones, camera and video recording, electricaland mechanical services, special effects, and the like.

FIG. 4 shows an example performance stage with partitioned admissionareas forming special admission zones. In various embodiments, stagearrangement 400 includes stage 402, performance area 406, generalseating area 412, and special admission zones 414 and 418 havingentrance and/or exit ports 416 and 420, respectively.

In various embodiments, special admission certificates are used to admitspectators to the special spectator zones. Such special admissioncertificates may be standalone admission tickets or be in addition tothe regular admission tickets to the performance event. A spectator orpatron of the performance event who is admitted to special admissionzones 414 and 418 may generally enjoy enhanced audio and visualexperience in comparison to general seating area 412. Additionally, thepatron admitted to the special zones may also have the opportunity tomeet and greet some of the performers.

In some embodiments, the special admission zone may be a separatebarricade/barrier zone just behind a media and/or securitybarricade/barrier zone located directly at the front of each performancestage. This parallel special admission zone may cover the entire frontof the performance stage from one end to the other. In some embodiments,the special admission zone may feature “soft floors”, heavy duty floorsused to reduce the impact on the patron's feet, ankles, and knees whendancing or jumping. The designated space may also feature a special HVAC(Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning) system, such as bladelesscooling system to keep the patron cool. The designated space may alsofeature a single or double sided video and/or still image camera whichmay be operated manually or automatically for video and still images ofthe artists/performers and patrons during the performance event.

The performance events may include music concerts, sporting events,lectures, theatrical performances, political events, and any othersimilar live events.

In various embodiments, the special admission certificate is for aparticular event and a particular showing, while in other embodiments,the special admission certificate is for a series of events, multipledifferent events, various showings of the same event, or any combinationof the above.

In some embodiments, the special admission certificate authorizes theholder to enter the special spectator zones for a limited amount of timeduring the performance. For example, the certificate may allow thepatron to stay in the special admission zone for 10 minutes. After the10 minutes has expired, other patrons with special admissioncertificates are allowed in the special admission zone during the sameperformance event. Using this rotation process, more people than thecapacity of the special admission zone may utilize (or rotate through)the benefits of the special admission zone. For example, if the specialadmission zone has capacity for 100 special spectators, and eachspectator spends 10 minutes in the special admission zone for an eventthat lasts two hours, then a total of 120 minutes/10 minutes=12 timeslots×100 spectators=1200 special spectators may enjoy the specialbenefits of the special admission zone. Each such 10 minute interval,thus, forms a rotation cycle by which different patrons may rotatethrough the special admission zone.

In other embodiments, the special admission certificate allows thepatron to stay in the special admission zone for the duration of thewhole performance of a given performer of a multi-performer event. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that many service combinations may beoffered by the special admission certificate. For example, a fewexamples of such arrangement are described below.

Front stage pass—the patron purchases a limited length of time within adesignated space, such as the special admission zones, located at thefront of the performance stage for a specific performance at a specificevent.

Front stage pass VIP—the patron purchases an extended length of timewithin a designated space, located at the front of the performance stagefor a specific performance at a specific event.

On stage pass—the patron purchases a limited length of time on the“catwalk” located inside a purpose built structure on the performancestage for a specific performance at a specific event.

On stage pass VIP—the patron purchases an extended length of time in oneof the many private and hosted “hollywood style squares” located insidea purpose built structure on the performance stage for a specificperformance at a specific event.

Air stage pass—the patron purchases a limited length of time on a“tethered hot air balloon, tethered helium balloon, helicopter,airplance or blimp” flying above the entire venue for a specificperformance at a specific event.

Air stage pass VIP—the patron purchases an extended length of time on a“tethered hot air balloon, tethered helium balloon, helicopter,airplance or blimp” flying above the entire venue for a specificperformance at a specific event.

All stage pass—the patron is buying a pass for the entire experience. Invarious embodiments, the special admission certificate is implemented asa “hard” or physical certificate, while in other embodiments, it isimplemented as a “soft” or digital certificate, for example, in the formof a smartphone application.

In some embodiments, the hard certificate is in the form of a magneticor RFID embedded card, while in other embodiments, it is in the form ofan RFID embedded wristband. Entry into the special admission zone may bedone primarily via an unmanned turnstile with RFID chip reader, and/or ahandheld reader RFID.

FIG. 5 shows an example wristband for control of admission to specialadmission zones. In some embodiments, wristband 502 includes barcode504. The hard certificate may be mailed to the purchaser prior to theevent or be picked up on the event site or another location such as aticket office by the purchaser. The RFID may be of the Near FieldCommunication (NFC) type for close proximity data transfer. The hardcertificate may further include a unique barcode or other scannablepattern to include certificate identification and/or other information.The hard certificate may also include a unique serial number which maybe used to validate the certificate at the event. The predeterminedmailed or transfer date in conjunction with the unique barcode andserial number may be used to substantially eliminate or minimizecounterfeiting.

FIG. 6 shows an example mobile device having a barcoded admissioncertificate for admission to special admission zones. In variousembodiments, mobile computing device 602 is configured to displaydigital certificate 606 including event title 604 and unique barcodeand/or serial number 608. In some embodiments, the digital version ofthe certificate may include the unique barcode and serial number for thesame purpose as the hard version, described above. The digital versionmay be transmitted to the purchaser's registered smartphone or othercomputing device prior to the event. The computing device may be any oneof the devices described with respect to FIG. 2.

In various embodiments, the RFID chip may be inlayed within a wristband,personal electronic device, smartphone or smartwatch and the like. Theapplication (or “App”) on the mobile device may apply to concerts,festivals, or other live entertainment. The patron may buy the specialadmission certificate for a specific length of time, such as a limitednumber of minutes, a block of time for long performances or it may befor the entire performance of a specific artist, performer or athlete,as described above with respect to FIG. 4. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that other combinations of time periods may be purchased andassociated with the certificate without departing from the spirit of thepresent disclosure.

In various embodiments, when the RFID chip is read via the RFIDhand-held, stand-alone, or smartphone reader, a “push” (data transferinitiated externally to the receiver) may be sent to a previouslyselected social media site associated with the patron. The social mediapush may be sent when video or still images are generated by the patron,by special admission service providers, or by service affiliates via anon-site automated photo booth or professional photographer. A live orpre-recorded video feed may also be streamed or televised or transmittedvia various predetermined web channels.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the special admissioncertificates may be purchased through appropriate websites via apersonal electronic device, smartphone, or smartwatch application. Thespecial admission certificates may also be purchased through anauthorized ticket agent, event website, performer website, sponsorwebsite, promoter website, other partner websites, and on-site at astand-alone kiosk. In some embodiments, sponsorship opportunities mayexist for the sponsor to pay for the patron's individual or entireexperience via sweepstakes, drawings, raffles, lottery, contests orgiveaways. In some embodiments, special admission certificates may bepurchased as a gift or be transferable between patrons.

In various embodiments, the RFID (NFC) technology may be the primarydevice used to verify access to the special admission zones. The RFIDtechnology may also be used to identify patrons with regards to socialmedia, promotions (for examples, coupons), rewards points and “tap topay” cashless payment systems used for merchandising, food, beverage,concessions, parking and digital music sales.

In some embodiments, marketing and advertising may be performed viaprint, television, radio, on-site, third party partners, sponsors, andvarious social networking and other media on the web, such as Twitter,Facebook, Youtube, Soundcloud, Mixcloud, Tumblr, Wordpress, Flavors.meMyspace, Instagram, Turntable.fm, Spotify, Flicr, Hypemachine, Linkedin,Google+, Pandora, Wikipedia, and the like.

In various embodiments, patrons with the special admission certificatemay be provided with a separate entrance into the event including aseparate parking lot and air conditioned area with various otheramenities.

Changes can be made to the claimed invention in light of the aboveDetailed Description. While the above description details certainembodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated,no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the claimed inventioncan be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may varyconsiderably in its implementation details, while still beingencompassed by the claimed invention disclosed herein.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the claimed invention to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above DetailedDescription section explicitly defines such terms.

Accordingly, the actual scope of the claimed invention encompasses notonly the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways ofpracticing or implementing the claimed invention.

Ticket Splitting Embodiment

Ticket Split is a collaborative use method that splits a single ticketso that multiple people can benefit from it.

Ticket Split is a new way to split the use of an event ticket withanother person or multiple people depending on the number of performers.

Ticket Split is a great option for SELLER—a person that doesn't want togo to an entire event.

Ticket Split is a great option for a BUYER—a person who normallycouldn't attend an event because it was sold out or who can't afford it.

Ticket Split benefits Event Organizers and Venues during sold outevents, by accommodating more people into the event without exceedingthe capacity limits set for the venue.

Event Attendees can also Ticket Split their tickets with people that areattending the same event. This allows for multiple people to have theability to experience an event from different vantage points.

Ticket Split works at concerts, music festivals, sporting and otherpublic or private events.

Ticket Split gives a SELLER the opportunity to sell a portion of theirevent experience.

SELLER can Ticket Split with BUYER any portion of an event whichincludes but isn't limited to a Performance, Act, DJ Set, Race, Round,Quarter, Half, Bout, Match or Block of Time.

By using Ticket Split, SELLER can recuperate a portion of their ticketcost.

By using Ticket Split, BUYER has the opportunity to attend a portion ofan event.

SELLER can set the price and the amount of times their ticket will besplit.

SELLER can choose to auction their Ticket Split and set a reserve priceinstead of a straight sale.

SELLER can stimulate Ticket Split sales by selecting manual or automated“Dynamic Ticket Selling”, simply by entering the Floor and Ceiling pricelimits (Minimum and Maximum).

BUYER can also select to purchase tickets by selecting manual orautomated “Dynamic Ticket Buying”, simply by entering the Floor andCeiling price limits.

Nothing will be mailed between SELLER and BUYER because the tickets willbe split electronically.

Before a SELLER can Ticket Split their ticket, the ticket must beauthenticated and their credit card must be validated to protectunsuspecting BUYER against fraud.

Ticket Split will authenticate the original ticket with the ticketmanufacturer before it's eligible for sale. This will protect BUYER fromthe sale of counterfeit tickets.

Tickets will be authenticated via the “Ticket Split” mobile app on aSELLER'S Smartphone, using the phone's built-in camera to scan theticket's bar code or by manually entering the ticket's serial number.

The Ticket Split mobile phone app will alert SELLER and BUYER upon asuccessful transaction.

Tickets can also be authenticated by using a Tablet's built-in camera toscan the ticket's bar code or by manually entering the ticket's serialnumber.

Tickets can also be authenticated by using a Computer's web camera toscan the ticket's bar code or by manually entering the ticket's serialnumber.

SELLER will pay a non-refundable “Authentication Fee” for each ticketsold on Ticket Split.

Ticket Split will share a portion of the “Authentication Fee” with theoriginal ticket manufacturer.

The SELLER'S original ticket is converted into an encrypted mobileticket upon the BUYER'S purchase.

Once the ticket is split the original ticket will be voided and theSELLER will also receive a mobile ticket.

If the voided “Original” ticket is used at the event, the SELLER willforfeit all net proceeds to them.

This will prevent SELLER from selling voided tickets to unsuspectingBUYER outside of Ticket Split

BUYER will pay a non-refundable “Electronic Transfer Fee” when theticket is transferred to them.

SELLER will pay a commission to Ticket Split for providing the service.

BUYER will pay a commission to Ticket Split for providing the service.

Ticket Split will share a portion of the commission with the EventOrganizer.

The Transfer Insurance Coverage (T.I.C) will be paid by the tickettransferor for the benefit of the transferee.

Both SELLER and BUYER can be the transferor and the transferee dependingon the circumstance.

The Transfer Insurance Coverage will vary depending on the circumstance.

The transferor will be obligated to pay the T.I.C. if they fail tofulfill their obligation to the transferee.

Failure to perform includes but isn't limited to, deciding to stay orforgetting to leave the event.

Once the transferor exits the event, the transferee's ticket becomesactive for use.

Exit of the venue may be confirmed by activating the smart phonelocation based GPS.

No more than one Ticket Split will be active from the original ticket atthe same time.

Commissions will not be charged to the SELLER if the tickets weren'tsold (Split).

Event Organizer's will provide a staging area to expedite the rotationbetween transferor and transferee.

If an event is canceled, postponed or if the performer/athlete fails toshow up, all monies will be refunded except for the SELLER'S“Authentication Fee” and the BUYER'S “Electronic Transfer Fee”.

Ticket Split tickets are transferable as long as the new BUYER agrees tothe terms and conditions.

Each time the tickets are transferred, the new recipient will pay an“Electronic Transfer Fee”.

Event Organizers & Venues will be required to provide a designatedentrance and exit at the event.

Event Organizers & Venues will be responsible for the cost of providinga manned or unmanned event ticket attendant.

In & Outs will not be permitted at the events.

BUYER will be charged once they've purchased their ticket on TicketSplit website or mobile App.

The BUYER'S monies will be escrowed into a trustee account and will bepaid to the SELLER after the event.

SELLER will have the option to have their money transferred into theirbank account, transferred to a debit card, transferred to their Pay Palaccount or elect to have a check mailed to them.

Event Organizers will provide the set times for each Ticket Split event.

If the Event Organizer fails to provide accurate set times, fails tocommunicate scheduling changes or artist/athlete cancellations, theEvent Organizer will forfeit commissions and reimburse the effectedSELLER or BUYER for damages.

SELLER and BUYER will create a profile on Ticket Split so that theircustomers can rate their service.

SELLER and BUYER will also be able to rate the Event Organizers, theVenues and the overall event experience.

SELLER and BUYER can earn rewards points each time they use TicketSplit.

BUYER Rewards Points will be based on purchase history.

SELLER Rewards Points will be based on BUYER'S ratings.

These reward points can be redeem for reduced commissions on futureTicket Split transactions.

If a SELLER repeatedly tries to beat the system by cheating unsuspectingBUYERS, they will be banned from using Ticket Split

The actions of unscrupulous SELLERS will be monitored by the credit cardthey register and by the serial number and I.P. address of the phones,tablets and computers they're using to sell tickets on Ticket Split.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a completedescription of the use of the claimed invention. Since many embodimentsof the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafterappended. It is further understood that this disclosure is not limitedto the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover variousarrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalentarrangements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for controlling admission to a specialadmission zone of a live performance event for a plurality of patrons,wherein the special admission zone is separate and distinct from ageneral admission area of the event and has a fixed maximum capacity,and the duration of the event is divided into a plurality of predefinedtime periods, the system comprising: (a) a set of patron-issuedwristbands containing electronically writeable and readable RFID chips,the RFID chips of each wristband electronically encoded with arespective unique serial number that is electronically associated withone of the plurality of predefined time periods, wherein the totalnumber of wristbands that are assigned unique serial numbers for all ofthe predefined time periods is a multiple of the fixed maximum capacityof the special admission zone; and (b) a processor programmed to verify,when each patron in possession of a wristband requests entry to thespecial admission zone and the RFID chips of their wristbands areelectronically read to obtain their respective unique serial numbers,that the unique serial number encoded in the wristband that is inpossession of each patron is (i) valid, and (ii) that the current timematches the predefined time period associated with the unique serialnumber of the wristband, wherein admission to the special admission zoneis permitted upon successful verification, and wherein the system allowsa different set of patrons to be rotated through the special admissionzone during successive predefined time periods.
 2. The system of claim 1wherein the RFID chip uses RFID of a Near Field Communication (NFC)type.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the live performance event is oneof a music concert, a music festival, a theatrical performance, a sportsevent, and a lecture.
 4. A system for controlling admission to a specialadmission zone of a live performance event for a plurality of patrons,wherein the special admission zone is separate and distinct from ageneral admission area of the event and has a fixed maximum capacity,and the duration of the event is divided into a plurality of predefinedtime periods, the system comprising: (a) a set of patron-owned mobiledevices containing memory that receive and store the respective uniqueserial numbers, each mobile device electronically storing a uniqueserial number in the memory that is electronically associated with oneof the plurality of predefined time periods, each mobile deviceincluding a display that electronically displays its stored uniqueserial number, wherein the total number of mobile devices that areassigned unique serial numbers for all of the predefined time periods isa multiple of the fixed maximum capacity of the special admission zone;and (b) a processor programmed to verify, when each patron in possessionof a mobile device requests entry to the special admission zone andtheir mobile devices are electronically read by reading theelectronically displayed unique serial numbers on respective displays ofthe mobile devices, that the unique serial number stored in the mobiledevice that is in possession of each patron is (i) valid, and (ii) thatthe current time matches the predefined time period associated with theunique serial number of the mobile device, wherein admission to thespecial admission zone is permitted upon successful verification, andwherein the system allows a different set of patrons to be rotatedthrough the special admission zone during successive predefined timeperiods.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the live performance event isone of a music concert, a music festival, a theatrical performance, asports event, and a lecture.